Bible Strands
Acts 21:13
Then Paul answered, “Why are you weeping and breaking my heart? I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.”
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Paul speaks to his traveling companions and local believers who have just pleaded with him not to travel to Jerusalem. This response follows immediately after their attempts to dissuade him from his journey.
The words — The Greek term κλαίοντες (klaiontes) literally means "weeping," capturing the emotional intensity of those opposing his plans. Paul replies with ἀπεκρίθη (apekrithē), "answered," signaling his direct engagement with their appeals.
The thread — This stance mirrors his earlier vow in Acts 20:24 to count his life of no value for finishing his appointed course. It runs parallel to his expectation of unashamed boldness in Philippians 1:20 and his willingness to be poured out like a drink offering in Philippians 2:17.
Why it lands — The passage states a factual readiness to face binding and death in Jerusalem for Jesus' name. It requires the reader to evaluate whether their own commitments survive the cost of obedience.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
Then Paul answered, What mean ye to weep and to break mine heart? for I am ready not to be bound only, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.
Cross-references
- Acts 20:24 But I consider my life of no value to me, if only I may finish my course and complete the ministry I have received from the Lord Jesus—the ministry of testifying to the good news of God’s grace.
- Philippians 1:20 I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have complete boldness so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death.
- Philippians 2:17 But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you.
- Romans 8:35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or distress or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword?
- 2 Timothy 4:6 For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time of my departure is at hand.
- Acts 20:37 They all wept openly as they embraced Paul and kissed him.
- 2 Corinthians 4:10 We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body.
- Colossians 1:24 Now I rejoice in my sufferings for you, and I fill up in my flesh what is lacking in regard to Christ’s afflictions for the sake of His body, which is the church.
- 2 Timothy 2:4 A soldier refrains from entangling himself in civilian affairs, in order to please the one who enlisted him.
- Revelation 12:11 They have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony. And they did not love their lives so as to shy away from death.